Web 2.0 goes charitable

A social networking site dedicated to fundraising for good causes is due to launch next year.

Users of MyCharityPage.com will be able to create personal profiles describing their fundraising activities and promoting their favourite charities.

Modelled on existing social media such as Facebook and MySpace, the site will aim to help charities connect with potential supporters and fundraisers.

They will be able to donate online, write blogs, upload photos and videos, contribute to forum discussions, add friends to their networks, send private messages and create and join groups.

Users can also shop online via the site and earn commission for their chosen charities every time they buy goods or services.

The commission will then be displayed on their profile page and count towards their fundraising total.

"Unlike rival sites, MyCharityPage.com accepts online donations, supports shopping for charity and also has a comprehensive social networking function," said Adam Foyster, the site's founder.

"We believe it's the only UK website of its kind that doesn't charge commission on donations, so the charity receives the full amount every time.

"The site also presents a real opportunity for charities to interact directly with thousands of new fundraisers."

The site is due to launch in January 2008.